NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

General Documentation Needed at Time of Interview

Visa applicants are required to appear in person for the interview (unless they are among those who may make an initial application by mail with the following:

• A valid passport with two blank pages.

• Application forms

  1. DS-156, (the visa application form DS-156 must be completed on-line, printed with the bar code and signed. Please, follow the instructions carefully.) Forms DS-156 not completed on line will not be accepted. Note: latest Adobe Acrobat version is needed to complete properly the form.

  2. DS-157 fully filled out.

  3. DS-158 (only students and exchange visitors)

• A 5cm by 5cm passport-type photograph taken within the past six months against a white background. You may take your pictures in the consulate's waiting room, please bring the exact amount (4 euros) for the photo-machine.

• Necessary documents pertaining to certain visa categories, including but not limited to: approved petitions (P,O, L, and H Visas), original I-20 (F and M Visas), original DS-2019 (J Visas), etc.

• Banco Santander bank receipt.

• Your passport with the visa will be returned by MRW, pay upon delivery. The Consular Section will provide you with an envelope.

• Information regarding your financial solvency and ties to your country of residence. This may include documents regarding your employment, family ties, property, etc.

• Information regarding the purpose of your trip.

• Your visa and passport will be returned to you by Courier Service (MRW). The Consular Section will provide you with an envelope and you must pay when the envelope arrives.

Please allow several hours for the interview process.

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• In an effort to make the entranceway for non-immigrant visa applicants more efficient, please, do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment.
Also be aware that only the Non-Immigrant applicants who come with the applications forms completed on line and with the original receipt of payment from Banco de Santander Central Hispano (BSCH) will be granted entry into the Consular Section.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

• Limits on personal items:
Recent worldwide terrorism events have created the necessity for restricting luggage, back packs, or carry bags being brought into the Embassy Consular Section. Please DO NOT attempt to bring these items inside. The guard has been instructed to prevent access of any luggage or carry bags or packs unless there is a clearly demonstrated emergency or medical need that is authorized by the Consular Officer or the Regional Security Officer.

For additional information for all Foreign Visitors:
• http://travel.state.gov.
• Visa wait time information page
• Department of Homeland Security
• Internal Revenue Service
• U.S. Customs Service